Louisiana businesswoman convicted of bankruptcy fraud

A Monroe, Louisiana businesswoman has been convicted of knowingly violating bankruptcy law, bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets and other charges.

Trial testimony revealed that Harriette Lynne King committed numerous criminal violations while posing as a bankruptcy attorney and preparing the bankruptcy petitions of at least three debtors, according to the News-Star. She was accused of receiving legal fees and court costs from these debtors, and reportedly refused to return the money despite repeated orders from a judge.

She then filed her own personal bankruptcy petition, on which she claimed to own property that she did not and failed to list all debts she owed. She signed this petition under penalty of perjury. She then reportedly lied under oath when questioned about the false information she provided on the petition.

According to the IRS, those convicted of bankruptcy fraud in 2010 were sentenced to serve 31 months on average. King faces a fine of $250,000, five years in prison, or both for each count, according to the news source.